While New York Giants star Saquon Barkley was prevented from leaving the team in NFL free agency this spring, it seems that the running back is still not officially on the roster for next season yet.
The New York Giants took a calculated risk last offseason when they decided not to complete a long-term extension with starting running back Saquon Barkley. The decision was understandable at the time with the going rate for running backs on a steep decline and the former Penn State star’s issues with injuries and performance in the prior seasons.
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However, Barkley showed under new head coach Brian Daboll that he still has the talent that earned him Pro Bowl honors in his rookie season, and he went on to be the heart of the Giants’ offense in 2022 as he became a Pro Bowler for the second time. His showing last season gave him some real leverage ahead of his first jump into NFL free agency.
But that never came to pass when the New York Giants’ strategy for the offseason worked out as they hoped and they signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a new long-term deal and placed a franchise tag on Barkley. Blocking him from testing his value on the open market.
New York Giants record (2022): 9-7-1, third place in NFC East
The organization placed a non-exclusive tag on their RB, which means other teams can offer him a contract. However, the New York Giants can match it or be compensated with two future first-round picks. This essentially means Barkley has no choice but to return to the organization that took him with the second pick overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. But they may now have a problem.
- Saquon Barkley stats (2022): 1,650 total yards, 10 TDs, 57 receptions
On Wednesday, New York Newsday Giants beat writer Kim Jones reported that “Saquon Barkley will not be signing the franchise tag & therefore will not be eligible to participate when the NYG offseason program begins Monday.”
At this point in the offseason, and with limited options, most players have signed their franchise tender. In the case of Saquon Barkley, he will earn just over $10 million in 2023, which is still better than several notable running back free agents landed this offseason.
It is unclear why he has not yet signed his franchise tag, if he is unhappy playing with no contractual safety net for a second straight season, or if he has even asked to be traded. However, after Los Angeles Chargers star Austin Ekeler asked to be traded last month after negotiations on a new deal hit an impasse, it isn’t impossible Barkley may be looking for a long-term deal elsewhere.